Denny Hamlin, the celebrated co-owner of 23XI Racing, has a well-earned reputation for identifying and fostering the careers of rising stars in NASCAR. Among the roster of talent he’s helped guide, names such as Bubba Wallace, Tyler Reddick, and Riley Herbst stand out. The latest prodigy to join this elite group is Corey Heim, a developmental driver for 23XI Racing who is set to make waves in the competitive world of racing.
Heim’s meteoric rise in NASCAR is truly noteworthy, with a remarkable tally of 12 victories in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and a commendable performance in the Xfinity Series. At just 22-years-old, he’s already showing immense potential as one of the sport’s most promising hopefuls. A major highlight in his blossoming career came in the form of a multi-year contract with 23XI Racing, announced on February 23, 2025, marking the start of an exhilarating new chapter in his journey.
Simultaneously, Corey Heim will continue to sharpen his skills through the Toyota Driver Development Program (TD2), a platform known for molding young talents into seasoned professionals. This dual role offers Heim the chance to learn from industry’s finest, including mentorship from Hamlin himself.
Heim, a consistent performer in the NASCAR Truck Series, faces a critical period in the coming years as he seeks to leverage his success and evolve into a formidable contender in the NASCAR Cup Series. Reflecting on his inclusion in the 23XI Racing team, Heim expressed his feelings in three poignant words: “Feels like home.” This sentiment not only speaks to the warm, welcoming culture of the 23XI Racing team but also highlights the level of comfort and camaraderie that exists within the group.
Heim’s first encounter with the 23XI team at Nashville Superspeedway was a positive one, cementing his decision to sign with them. He noted the enthusiasm within the team about the collaboration, stating, “They have a lot of good people over there that are seemingly very excited to work with me and develop me over the years.”
Looking towards the future, Heim’s journey with 23XI Racing is laden with opportunities. Alongside his development in the Cup Series, he will also race for Sam Hunt Racing in the Xfinity Series, providing him with a competitive platform to refine his skills further. Excited about the road ahead, Heim succinctly summarized his thoughts: “Just excited to get to work.”
Corey Heim is all set to kick off his 2025 Xfinity Series with the Focused Health 250 at the Circuit of the Americas on Saturday, March 1. This will be Heim’s first race of the season with Sam Hunt Racing, where he will drive the No. 24 Upper Deck GR Supra, backed by 23XI Racing. This race also marks Heim’s first road course appearance in his Xfinity Series career.
As the reigning NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series COTA champion, Heim carries high expectations into this race. Despite potential fan backlash over his association with 23XI, his on-track prowess is expected to shine through. With the guidance of veteran crew chief Brian Gainey, Heim is eager to add an Xfinity Series victory at COTA to his impressive list of achievements.
As we watch the 2025 season unfold, both in the Cup and Xfinity Series, Corey Heim’s journey towards his ultimate ambition of a full-time Cup ride promises to be riveting. With the backing of 23XI Racing and Sam Hunt Racing, and the mentorship of Denny Hamlin, Heim is well-positioned to make significant strides in his career.